Oklahoma Football Turns to Freshman Tackles Against No. 8 Ole Miss
Oklahoma’s offensive line faces a notable challenge this Saturday as the Sooners prepare to host No. 8 Ole Miss. Multiple sources have confirmed to OUInsider.com that the team will start a pair of true freshmen at the tackle positions – a necessity born from recent injuries.
The most immediate change comes at right tackle, where Ryan Fodje is expected to make his first career start. The 6-foot-5, 322-pound lineman, a former four-star recruit from bridgeland High School in Cypress, Texas, has appeared in all seven games this season, primarily on the field-goal unit. He’s accumulated a total of 109 offensive snaps, with a significant portion – 56 – coming in the season opener against Illinois State, where he played extensively at right guard.
According to reports, Fodje began practicing at right tackle on Wednesday after sixth-year senior Derek simmons sustained an injury during Tuesday’s practice. This shift is considered a natural one for the young player, as he predominantly played right tackle throughout his high school career before transitioning to guard upon arriving at Oklahoma.
The situation at tackle has been further complex by injuries to other players. Fellow true freshman Michael Fasusi has already emerged as the starter at left tackle following an injury to Jacob Sexton. Junior Luke Baklenko provides depth as a swing tackle, having seen action on both sides of the line this season. Redshirt sophomore Logan Howland is expected to be available, but is still recovering from a high ankle sprain. Redshirt freshman Daniel Akinkunmi remains an emergency option, having played a single snap at left tackle against Texas.
The rapid ascent of Fasusi and Fodje to starting roles was largely unforeseen. When both players signed with Oklahoma last December, analysts anticipated they would eventually compete for starting positions, but few predicted they would be thrust into the spotlight so early in their collegiate careers.”Few could have imagined that they would be thrust into those roles just eight games into their respective collegiate careers,” a source close to the program stated.
Now, the pair of former top-100 prospects will be tasked with protecting quarterback John Mateer as oklahoma seeks a crucial victory against a highly ranked Ole Miss team. The challenge is significant, but the Sooners are confident in the potential of their young offensive line.
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